The City of West Des Moines Parks and Recreation partnered with Brookview Elementary, the Waukee CSD APEX program, and Waukee CSD Board President Wendy Marsh to coordinate the planting of Iowa’s very first mini-forest. Brookview and Waukee APEX students will help lead the project.

The mini-forest approach involves the strategic planting of small areas with native species, meticulously recreating the layers of a natural forest tailored to the site’s unique conditions. Seedlings are densely planted to encourage rapid growth and shade out competition. The site undergoes careful preparation, planting, mulching, and ongoing maintenance to swiftly establish a woodland that mirrors the biodiversity of a native forest.

Some Benefits of Mini-Forests:

• Rapid Biodiversity Growth
  • Mini forests act as biodiverse oases, swiftly providing habitats for numerous species, particularly birds and beneficial insects.
• Environmental Impact
  • They play a crucial role in reducing runoff and improving air quality, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem.
• Educational Opportunities
  • These forests serve as invaluable resources for environmental and science education, offering hands-on learning experiences for students and the broader community.

We’re so excited that our students got to be part of this great learning opportunity!

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